'Military dolphins trained to attack using weapons fixed to their heads escape base'

'Military dolphins trained to attack using weapons fixed to their heads escape base'

THEY may have a constant smile on their face and an endering nature, but if you fancy a dip in the ocean watch out – Ukranian "attack" dolphins have reportedly escaped from their handlers and are on the lose.

In a strange combination of Rambo and Free Willy, the three dolphins escaped from the Ukrainian naval training base yesterday, Russian state media has reported.

The escape comes just a year after the nation reportedly rebooted the Soviet Union's marine mammal program with the goal of teaching dolphins to find underwater mines and kill enemy divers.

So, if you are planning to take a gentle swim in the Black Sea this week on a family holiday, it may be better to stay out of the water.

While often unconfirmed, rumors about military-trained dolphins have existed for decades.

Reports have emerged of dolphins, walruses, sea lions, seals and even a whale being trained to attack enemies with weapons including harpoons attached to their head.

The mammals "could also undertake kamikaze strikes against enemy shipping carrying mines," the BBC has said.

Trained to kill: Dolphins with military skills have reportedly escaped into the deep blue sea

Reports exist of dolphins, walruses, sea lions, seals, and even a whale trained to attack enemies

“Control over dolphins was quite common in the 1980's,” said Yury Plyachenko, a former Soviet naval anti-sabotage officer.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has denied this week's reports, while refusing to confirm the navy makes use of dolphins, despite the frequent appearance in Ukrainian media of photographs of dolphins with military equipment strapped to them.

The “killer” dolphins may have less sinister intentions, according to experts, simply being on the loose and looking for love.

“If a male dolphin saw a female dolphin during the mating season, then he would immediately set off after her. But they came back in a week or so," Mr Plyachenko added.